hyperkeratosis

noun

hy·​per·​ker·​a·​to·​sis ˌhī-pər-ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
plural hyperkeratoses ˌhī-pər-ˌker-ə-ˈtō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
: hypertrophy of the corneous layer of the skin
hyperkeratotic
ˌhī-pər-ˌker-ə-ˈtä-tik How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
adjective

Examples of hyperkeratosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The affected areas can leak clear fluid, develop scabs, and feel rough due to hyperkeratosis (thick, dry skin) or small bumps.2 Differences While the symptoms of eczema and hives differ, there also are several other major differences. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Feb. 2025 However, some do, including actinic hyperkeratosis. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier as a name for keratoconus (conical distortion of the cornea), borrowed from New Latin (in a German context), from hyper- hyper- + Greek kerat-, kéras "horn" + New Latin -osis -osis — more at kerato-

Note: As an ophthalmological term introduced by the German ophthalmologist Karl Himly (1772-1837) in Bibliothek für Ophthalmologie, 1. Band, 2. Stück (Hannover, 1819), p. 401.

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperkeratosis was in 1841

Rhymes for hyperkeratosis

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Browse Nearby Words

hyperirritability
hyperkeratosis
hyperkinesia
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Cite this Entry

“Hyperkeratosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperkeratosis. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

hyperkeratosis

noun
hy·​per·​ke·​ra·​to·​sis -ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
plural hyperkeratoses -ˈtō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
1
: hypertrophy of the stratum corneum layer of the skin
2
a
: any of various conditions marked by hyperkeratosis
b
: a disease of cattle that is marked by thickening and wrinkling of the hide, by formation of papillary outgrowths on the buccal mucous membranes, and often by a watery discharge from eyes and nose, diarrhea, loss of weight, and abortion of pregnant animals and that is caused especially by ingestion of the chlorinated naphthalene of various lubricating oils, by arsenic poisoning, or by inherited congenital ichthyosis

called also X-disease, XX disease

hyperkeratotic
-ˈtät-ik How to pronounce hyperkeratosis (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperkeratosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hyperkeratosis

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